Veld Music Festival, Photo Credit: Visual Bass Photography
There’s no better feeling than listening to your favorite band (or solo act or DJ) live on stage on a warm summer’s night, drink in hand. Indeed, summer is the season for music festivals.
While you may be familiar with California’s Coachella, New York’s Governors Ball and Chicago’s Lollapalooza, there are a handful of incredible sonic gatherings taking place north of the border, too.
Here is our lineup for this summer’s must-visit Canadian music festivals.
Osheaga Music and Arts Festival, Montreal
Taking place August 4 to 6, Osheaga promises a whopping six stages stuffed with all the indie music you could ask for — and then some.
This year’s eclectic lineup boasts The Weeknd, Muse and Lorde as headliners and promises plenty of Coachella-inspired fashion and selfie opportunities to adorn Instagram.
Where to stay
The edgy W Montréal offers the perfect atmosphere to match the energy of Osheaga. The hotel scene is lively, the design is modern and its location is mere steps from Old Montreal, Mount Royal and the ferries that take you to Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène for the festival.
Veld Music Festival, Toronto
Grab your glow sticks and head to the sixth annual electronic Veld Music Festival in Toronto’s Downsview Park on August 5 to 6. This year’s festival features one of the most unusual lineups to date, with hip-hop- and EDM-headlining acts like Future, Major Lazer, Tiesto and Zedd lighting up the mainstage while two other stages showcase some of the best trap, indie and underground artists.
Where to stay
Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Thompson Toronto is just steps from King West, where the party will continue to rage all night long. At the end of the night, stop by the 24-hour Thompson Diner for late-night bites, like the Peking duck poutine.
Festival d’été de Québec, Photo Credit: Francis Gagnon
Festival d’été de Québec, Quebec City
A city-wide music extravaganza like no other, Festival d’été de Québec in Quebec City’s historic district draws more than 1 million attendees to see world-class performers in country, pop, rock and more.
This year’s festival (July 6 to 16) also happens to be the 50th anniversary of the annual gathering. Huge names like Kendrick Lamar, Pink, the Backstreet Boys, Lady Antebellum, Metallica and The Who will help fans properly celebrate the occasion.
Where to stay
Relax and put your feet up at the luxurious Four-Star Auberge Saint-Antoine right in Quebec City’s Old Port. Its charming façade and cozy interior highlight the district’s colonial, merchant heritage and offers up a tranquil respite from the energetic festival outside.
Montreal International Jazz Festival
With jazz still at the forefront of people’s minds (thanks, La La Land), June 29 to July 8 will be high time to be in Montreal to enjoy some sultry live sounds.
One of the largest event of its kind in the world, the Montreal International Jazz Festival welcomes more than 2 million visitors to enjoy 600 concerts, 400 events and 3,000 musicians from 30 countries across more than 20 stages over the course of 10 days.
This year’s headliners include Feist, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Melissa Etheridge, Joss Stone and Bobby Bazini.
Where to stay
The historic Four-Star Ritz-Carlton, Montreal is the ideal hideaway from the music-loving mass, where luxurious accommodations, fine dining at the Four-Star Maison Boulud and the Spa St. James complement your weekend of easy listening.
